Far Niente Estate Bottled (1986)
SommeliAI Insights
A mature Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with complex layers of dark fruit, spice, and earthy notes.
About this wine
The 1986 Far Niente Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville presents a deep ruby color with garnet edges, indicative of its maturity. On the nose, it offers aromas of blackberry, black cherry, and subtle hints of dried herbs and tobacco. The palate reveals a harmonious blend of dark fruit flavors, complemented by notes of leather, cedar, and a touch of dark chocolate. Fine-grained tannins provide structure, leading to a long, smooth finish. This wine showcases the elegance and depth characteristic of Far Niente's winemaking tradition.
About the grape
In the 1986 Far Niente Estate Bottled wine from Oakville, California, the primary grape varietal is Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Petit Verdot and Malbec. Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its thick skins and hardy vines, thrives in Oakville's well-drained gravel soils, contributing to the wine's structure and aging potential. Petit Verdot, traditionally a minor component in Bordeaux blends, adds deep color and tannins; its late ripening can be a challenge, but Oakville's warm climate helps it mature fully. Malbec, originally from France and now widely associated with Argentina, brings inky color and plum-like flavors; in Oakville, it adds complexity and depth to the blend. Together, these varietals are cultivated to create a balanced and robust wine.
Quick facts
- 🏛️ Far Niente Winery, established in 1885 by John Benson, was designed by architect Hamden McIntyre as a gravity-flow winery, allowing grapes to move through production stages using gravity.
- 🍷 The winery's name, 'Far Niente,' is derived from the Italian phrase 'dolce far niente,' meaning 'the sweetness of doing nothing.'
- 🔄 After being abandoned during Prohibition in 1919, Far Niente was restored in 1979 by Gil Nickel, leading to the production of its first Cabernet Sauvignon vintage in 1982.
- 🍾 In 1998, a bottle of Far Niente Sweet Muscat from 1886 was discovered, believed to be the oldest intact bottle of California wine.
- 🍇 The 1986 Far Niente Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, showcasing the winery's commitment to crafting complex and age-worthy wines.
Palate profile
Producer
Far Niente Winery, established in 1885 by John Benson in Oakville, California, is one of Napa Valley's oldest wineries. The name, meaning "without a care" in Italian, reflects Benson's vision of creating a serene winemaking estate. The winery ceased operations during Prohibition in 1919 and remained dormant until 1979, when Gil Nickel purchased and meticulously restored the property, including its historic stone building and wine caves. Today, Far Niente is renowned for producing exceptional Napa Valley Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, maintaining a legacy of quality and elegance.
